Woman arrested, accused of leaving children alone in motel before fire

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A 31-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday after authorities said she left two children unattended in a motel room last week.

Tara Elizabeth Piccione is charged with two counts of child abandonment with intent to return.

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While alone, the children, ages 3 and 6, started a massive blaze by lighting bedding on fire with a lighter, according to authorities.

There were about 30 occupied rooms at the Motel 6 near the intersection of Cypresswood Drive and I-45 when the fire started.